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In 2022, the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) published three PDF documents that have become staples for practitioners and patients alike in regards to benzodiazepine prescribing, deprescribing (tapering), and peer support. Dozens of medical experts and community leaders were involved in their development including members of Easing Anxiety, the Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices, Benzodiazepine Information Coalition, and the Schreiber Research Group.
These guidances are provided for free and can be accessed on BAWG's website or via the links below:
Benzodiazepine
Prescribing Guidance
This document includes BZRA (benzodiazepines / Z-drugs) prescribing recommendations geared towards medical professionals.
View PDF Here:
Benzodiazepine
Deprescribing Guidance
This document provides guidance for both practitioners and patients regarding deprescribing (tapering) from benzodiazepines and Z-drugs.
View PDF Here:
Benzodiazepine
Peer Support Guidance
This document provides guidance for individuals involved with both formal and informal peer support in the benzo community. For training, view our Peer Support Training Page.
View PDF Here:
Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG)
The mission of the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) is to increase benzodiazepine safety through education, patient support, and informed prescribing and deprescribing practices. BAWG is part of the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and is co-chaired by Alexis Ritvo, MD, MPH (CU Anschutz Medical Center, the Alliance) and D E Foster (Easing Anxiety, the Benzo Free Podcast).
DISCLAIMER
The recommendations in these documents are evidence-based and/or amplified by collective clinical experience. They are not comprehensive and should not replace clinical judgement informed by individual circumstances. Other sources provide detailed background information and rationale for these recommendations.
Never stop or reduce dosage of a benzodiazepine, Z-drug, or any other prescribed medication unless under the direct supervision of a licensed physician.
These documents are created and maintained by the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group (BAWG) at the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention. Easing Anxiety is providing links to these documents for informational purposes only. View Easing Anxiety's complete disclaimer at https://easinganxiety.com/disclaimer.